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A Place Called Home - Girlfriends in God - Feb. 28, 2013

“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come” (Hebrews 13:14, NLT).

Friend to Friend

It had been a wonderful evening with our daughter, Danna, and her sixteen-month-old son, Justus. We ate dinner at one of our favorite restaurants to celebrate Danna’s graduation and the fact that we all survived the grueling schedule her school had demanded. Since our daughter is basically a party looking for a place to happen and can tell a mean story, we laughed until we cried as Danna described her encounter that day with a teacher who seemed to be preoccupied with blue cornbread. I am not kidding! Justus may not have understood what his mom was saying, but he joined in the family celebration with gusto - laughing and clapping his little hands. After a delicious meal, we climbed into the car and headed home.

When we pulled into our neighborhood, Justus began clapping and pointing … at something. We were clueless until we pulled into the driveway and our sweet little man laughed and bounced with excitement in his car seat. Justus was glad to be home.

At that precise moment, a line from one of my favorite movies, Apollo 13, popped into my mind. “Houston, we have a problem” may very well be one of the greatest understatements of all time. The astronauts faced seemingly impossible odds of getting back to earth but refused to give up the fight until they splashed down in the waters of home.

We all long for a safe place to call home. When life brutally thrusts us into a world of fear and uncertainty, it is hard to trust God. Shaky circumstances rattle our faith. Relief seems like a remote possibility and that light at the end of the tunnel really is the headlight of another trial headed our way. The hits just keep coming and we wonder if our world will ever be right again.

We all come into this world with a sense of being lost. Tucked into the corner of our souls is a feeling of restlessness ... a longing for home, for something or someone eternal. That longing will never be satisfied outside of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He holds each today and every tomorrow in His hands. Nothing and no one but Jesus Christ can fill that “God-shaped” hole in our heart.

I have come to cherish that desperate cry of my heart that drives me to my knees and into the arms of God, my Father. Each and every time I come to Him, He whispers, "It will be all right. You are not home - yet."

No, this broken world is not my final home because I know God and He knows me. I have surrendered my life to Him and can face tomorrow because Jesus Christ lives. Yes, this world is just the beginning of the eternity for which I was created. I am just passing through, but while I am here, I have a God-sized job to do, an extraordinary mission to complete and a wonderful purpose to fulfill. So do you! It doesn't get any better than that, girlfriend.

As you dive into your hectic schedule, remember that one day, we will be home - with Him - but until then, trust God here and now. Guard your hearts and mind by filling them with God’s Word. Hold fast to the true meaning of following God and don’t let go! Look for ways to share the message of God’s unconditional love. Embrace that longing for home and trust God to get you there.

Let’s Pray

Father, I love You and am so thankful for the hope that life holds because I know You. I praise You and celebrate the truth that I am not alone, nor will I ever be. I will lack nothing because You are my Provider. I can sing in the midst of every storm because You are sufficient. I praise You and long for Home, but until then, help me to be all that You created me to be.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Have you ever experienced loneliness or a sense of loss during or after the Christmas season? I encourage you to prepare for it beforehand. The best way to get ready for a difficult time is to stay ready for a difficult time. In other words, now is the time to prepare your heart and mind for the holidays.

Are you stressed out - facing financial problems, health issues, or dealing with difficult relationships? God will be your peace. Get Mary’s book, Escaping the Stress Trap, and learn how to transform the promises of the Twenty-third Psalm into easy-to-implement, practical steps that will hand you the keys to stress management.